Oregon State is 2-16 in its last 18 games since beating Oregon in the 2016 Civil War, which was Mark Helfrich’s final game as the Ducks’ head coach.

Since that win, the Beavers are 0-16 against FBS teams, 0-12 against Pac-12 opponents and made a coaching change after Gary Andersen left town mid-season last year.

All that being said, the Beavers are headed in the right direction, it’s just going to take some time.

Jonathan Smith, who led Oregon State to a huge Fiesta Bowl win against Notre Dame as a quarterback in the 2000 season, is midway through his first season as the Beavers’ head coach, and his influence is noticeable.

Here are three reasons to believe in Oregon State football moving forward, despite the 1-5 record:

Jermar Jefferson is a legit star

Freshman running back Jermar Jefferson came into Saturday’s game leading the Pac-12 at 145.4 rushing yards per game and eight rushing touchdowns.

Against the Cougars, Jefferson rushed for 139 yards and four touchdowns. It’s hard to believe that he’s just an 18-year-old freshman.

Jefferson had a bad fumble late in the game, which Washington State recovered in the end zone for a touchback and cost the Beavers a potential scoring opportunity, but those mistakes happen.

Jefferson is the real deal, and he’ll be a key part to the Beavers’ offense for years to come.